Like a few bands over recent months, Testament have re-released a section of their back catalogue. Out as of last week are:
-
Live At The Fillmore (1995) - Demonic (1997)
- The Gathering (1999) – remastered by Andy Sneap
- First Strike Still Deadly (2001)
- Live At Eindhoven ’87 (2009)
As you can see, the only one that’s been tinkered with is 1999’s The Gathering, which has been given a bit of a tweak by well-known producer Andy Sneap. The re-issues of all 5 albums feature stunning new artwork by Marcello Vasco (Slayer, Kreator, Hatebreed) and have been released both as digipak CD and on black vinyl, Demonic, The Gathering and First Strike Still Deadly are also out on silver vinyl.
Of course, we just had to give them all a revisit as it’s been some time since they were pulled from the CD cabinet, and it’s refreshing to hear the band during this resurgent period. It’s unusual that two are live albums and one a “best of”, so there’s some repetition of songs there. However, it’s all good stuff and it’s not like Testament have ever let us down.
The Gathering‘s remaster isn’t as invasive or jarring as those released by Megadeth a few years ago – I just can’t listen to them, much preferring the originals – while Demonic is as good as it ever was.
You can catch Testament on tour in April along with Annihilator and Vader. If that night doesn’t break your neck from overuse, I don’t know what will.
- 29.3.2018 UK – Bristol, Motion
- 30.3.2018 UK – Manchester, O2 Ritz
- 31.3.2018 UK – Birmingham, O2 Institute
- 1.4.2018 IE – Dublin, Vicar Street
- 2.4.2018 UK – Glasgow, QMU
- 4.4.2018 UK – London, Koko
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